HC Deb 20 August 1895 vol 36 cc371-2
SIR JAMES FERGUSSON

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade, whether he will consider the propriety of taking steps, either by further regulations or by amendment of the law, to require more distinct marking on goods of foreign origin, and in particluar on articles of foreign-made glass?

* THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. C. T. RITCHIE,) Croydon

The right hon. Gentleman will probably remember that a Select Committee of the House of Commons on the administration of the Merchandise Marks Act, 1887, reported that they were unable to recommend the compulsory marking of all goods. They were of opinion that it would seriously restrict trade and virtually destroy the business of warehousemen, commission agents, and small masters, and that such an enactment would of necessity involve the insertion of a clause in any international convention imposing similar obligations on this country in respect of goods made in England but sold abroad. I have not myself studied the Report referred to, but will make it my business to do so.

SIR JAMES FERGUSSON

asked whether he was aware that the manufacturers of this country took a different view.

* MR. RITCHIE

said that might be so, but he presumed that the position they took up was put before the Committee. It was after considering the pros and cons of the matter that the Committee arrived at the conclusion they did.

In answer to Mr. PROVAND (Glasgow, Blackfriars),

* MR. RITCHIE

said the date of the Report of the Committee would be found in the Library.